INNSBRUCK, Austria  NHL players are accustomed to playing in the world's best arenas, and yet some players at the world championships were awestruck as they did drills in the Olympia World Arena's unique practice facility.

Team Canada listens to assistant coach Craig MacTavish during a practice session in Innsbruck.

By Kevin Frayer, AP

As Canada practiced Sunday, players had a spectacular view of the Alps through glass windows that run the width of the arena at one end. The mountain view was as sharp and breathtaking as the best postcard images.

"I was standing next to (Vancouver's) Brendan Morrison, and we said this is the best arena we've ever been in," Detroit Red Wings player Kris Draper said. "It's unbelievable everywhere you look."

Players saw the rink before the tournament, but Draper said once the players were skating with that ambience, "You realize how beautiful this place really is."

Draft-ready Slovenian youngster:

NHL scouts are paying attention to Slovenia's Anze Kopitar, arguably the most talented player in the country's history. He's 17, and scouts say he could go early in the next draft. He is projected to go in the Nos. 6-10 range.

Kopitar didn't look out of place against the Americans, even playing against NHL players. At one point, he put on a burst of speed and would have had a breakaway if Andy Roach hadn't made a sterling defensive play.

The consensus is that he's Slovenia's answer to Canadian Sidney Crosby, who will go No. 1 overall.

Only one Slovenian player — Edo Terglav, taken 249th overall by Buffalo in 1998 — was drafted, but he never reached the NHL.

Luongo to start?

How deep is Canada? Roberto Luongo has been in net for Canada's back-to-back world championships, but he's the backup to Martin Brodeur this year. However, speculation is the Florida Panthers goaltender might start Tuesday against Slovenia.